DAYTON, Ohio - In what was one of the most highly anticipated basketball seasons in recent memory, the University of Dayton men's basketball team tipped off their season Saturday with the annual Red and Blue game.

The Blue Squad defeated the Red Squad 62-51 as the Flyers played three eight-minute periods, and one six-minute period before more than 2,000 fans at UD Arena.

Sophomore Luke Fabrizius had a huge day finishing up with a team-leading 23 points which included seven three pointers. Junior Devin Searcy also had a break out day scoring 20 points and getting four rebounds.

Junior Chris Wright ended up getting a double-double scoring 13 points and snagging 10 rebounds, while senior Marcus Johnson finished with 13 points.

The Red squad took the first period 11-10. Fabrizius led the period with six points, going 2-of-4 from behind the arc.

Senior London Warren added three assists and Wright corralled six rebounds. Transfer guard Josh Parker got his first taste of Dayton basketball scoring three points with one assist in the first quarter of play.

In the second period Blue took the win 18-12. Fabrizius picked up right where he left off, scoring two more three's. Wright had a big period as well scoring seven points to go along with two rebounds.

Freshman Matt Kavanaugh got into the action with four points and four rebounds, and senior Dan Fox added two points and two rebounds of his own.

In the third quarter, Blue held on for a 22-18 win. Searcy was a force in the paint going 6-for-7 from the field for 12 points. Fabrizius added three more three pointers, and Parker added four points and two assists.

Johnson broke out with seven points including a three, and redshirt freshman Josh Benson got into the scoring with four points.

In the final period, the Blue squad won once again this time by a 12-10 margin.

Dayton will be back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 3, as the Flyers take on the Ferris State Bulldogs in the first exhibition game of the year.

Written by Dan Vohden, Class of 2011